I'm just going to come out and say it: Going-out tops give shirts a bad rep. Slinky halters made of chain-like mesh, too-tight corsets made of overly shiny polyester, and second-skin bodysuits aren't what I meant when I decided to give the shirt corner of my closet a more exciting refresh. Unfortunately, that's a lot of what's out there when you filter out basics like T-shirts, tank tops, sweaters, and button-downs. Skirts, dresses, and jackets aren't limited in this way, and there are just as many exciting statement options on the market as simple, minimalist ones. Tops, however, don't seem to have as much range—at least not at first glance.
Given how lackluster the tops in my closet are compared to every other fashion category, I wasn't about to give up after my first inquiry into the genre came up short. Instead, I dug my heels in, spending hours searching for options with genuine main character energy. Think tassel hems, allover fringe, colorful sequins, and velvet accents that won't feel out now that the holiday season is over. As it turns out, there are plenty of fun tops to offset your basics with in 2026, and to prove it, I curated a shopping list of my 31 favorites. Why should you have to scroll through every retailer's top section when I already did?
Below, find a treasure trove of whimsical tops by the likes of Dries Van Noten, Rosie Assoulin, Valentino, Magda Butrym, and more. No stereotypical going-out tops in sight.
Shop Fun Tops for 2026
Pair this top with jeans and some vintage Manolos, and you've got yourself a genuinely perfect outfit. Add a fur jacket in the winter to make this outfit even more mood enhancing.
Dries Van Noten is the first brand that comes to mind when I think of fun tops.
This color!
Tory Burch made me want to dress playfully again. Minimalism is overrated.
Alessandro Michele's Valentino is peak maximalism without veering into kitschy territory. Every piece is like a dopamine hit, and shopping for it feels like hanging out in your chic grandma's closet.
Do this yourself by tying together multiple multicolored scarves in adventurous ways.
This is just the right amount of sheerness.
I never thought I'd be into such a bold metallic piece, but I'm seconds away from buying this one. The scarf detail only makes it more tempting, not to mention the sale price.
It's impossible not to have a great time if you're wearing this top.
This double-layer trick creates the coolest textural effect.
A work of art.
I've been obsessed with Puerta Negra ever since I saw the brand's pieces at Le Pop Up earlier this winter.
I can only imagine the fun sounds of this top when you move or, better yet, dance, in it.
The shape of this top makes it look way more expensive than it actually is.
Style this blouse with a fitted leather pencil skirt and pumps for a sleek, '80s-inspired look that's guaranteed to garner compliments.
It's the color for me.
I think I need this one.
Whenever a top can stand up on its own, you know it's worth the price.
Zoom in to get a look at the adorable velvet bow on the front of this top.
So cool.
This top with a white poplin skirt at a breezy resort in Saint Barthélemy—that's the dream I'll be dreaming until winter's over.
The draping technique here is next-level.
The ultimate styling piece.
Silk blouses are everywhere right now. Style yours the Tom Ford for Gucci way by pairing it with velvet trousers.
The more psychedelic the pattern, the better.
Not your average tank top.
Style this the Simon Miller way with a pair of equally fun pants.
From the pattern to the feather details, everything about this La DoubleJ top is a breath of fresh air.
I've been low-key dreaming about this blouse. It's so extra in the best way.
For a more subtle silhouette, try opting for a bright color instead of a neutral. Trust me—it'll make all the difference.
I think it's safe to say that I saved the best for last.